Trekkers

At St Saviour’s, we believe that every person – whatever their level of ability – is a loved, valued, and vital part of our Big Family. Every child and young person is able to know and encounter the love of God, and we are committed to creating spaces where that can happen safely and joyfully.

Why not take a look at the video we made together?

We recognise that accessing church and events can be challenging for some families. Because of this, we work hard to offer a welcoming, safe, and accessible programme for all. Thanks to an amazing team of trained volunteers, we run two groups for children and young people with additional needs during our 10.30am and 6pm Sunday services.

Our Additional Needs Pastor, Joanne Gillard, will chat with you to understand your child’s needs and help you find the group that will suit them best. We ask for some information in advance so we can match each child with an appropriate volunteer and ensure a safe, supportive environment.

What is Trekkers?

Trekkers is the name of our additional needs children’s ministry at St Saviour’s. Our heart is to share the love of Jesus with children and young people with additional needs, while also enabling parents and carers to attend the church service knowing their child is well supported.

Trekkers groups run during term time only, alongside our 10.30am and 6pm Sunday services. Each session includes fun, activity‑based Bible themes, craft, drama, sensory spaces, and individual prayer. Advance booking is essential so we can maintain safe ratios of children to volunteers.

 

Our Sunday Groups

Adventurers (Ages 3–11) – During the 10.30am service

Adventurers provides tailored care for children with additional needs. Each child is paired with volunteers according to their individual needs and abilities.

  • Arrival from 10.15am to allow parents to join the service
  • Worship, Bible story, songs, craft, and prayer
  • Sensory spaces
  • Opportunities to make friends and have fun
  • Water and allergy‑aware snacks provided

Trailblazers (Ages 12–18) – During the 6pm service

Trailblazers is for young people with additional needs who enjoy a more youth‑style environment. Sessions include:

  • Sensory spaces
  • Craft and creative activities
  • Discussion and Bible story
  • Games and social time
  • Music, snacks, and drinks
  • A warm, fun space to build friendships

If you’re interested in your child joining one of these groups, please contact Joanne at: joanne.gillard@st-saviours.org.uk

Thursday Groups

Alongside our Sunday provision, we also offer midweek support for parents and carers.

Footprints (10am–12pm)

A welcoming space for parents and carers of children with additional needs.

  • Reflections and meditations
  • Guest visitors offering support and information
  • Weekly themes, discussion topics, and occasional craft mornings
  • Please note: no crèche facility

Trekkers Lunch (12pm–2.30pm)

Once a quarter, we host a relaxed lunch for parents and carers – a chance to connect, share experiences, and enjoy time together.

All Thursday events are held offsite. For details, please contact Joanne at joanne.gillard@st-saviours.org.uk.

Trekkers Summer Festival

Each year we host our Trekkers Summer Festival – a joyful, activity‑packed event for families with children and young people with additional needs, their siblings and young carers. It’s one of the highlights of our Trekkers calendar, filled with creativity, Bible stories, sensory activities, music, and plenty of fun.

We’re already looking ahead with excitement to Summer 2026, so watch this space for dates, themes, booking information, and all the details you’ll need.

Our festival typically includes:

  • A warm, supportive environment for families
  • Sensory spaces, crafts, games, music, and storytelling

Once registration opens, families will be able to complete a combined booking and medical form to secure a place. Our Additional Needs Pastor, Joanne, is always happy to answer questions or help you decide whether the festival is right for your child.

 joanne.gillard@st-saviours.org.uk

We can’t wait to share more soon.

Find out more

If you’d like to discuss our Sunday groups or are interested in volunteering with Trekkers, please get in touch: joanne.gillard@st-saviours.org.uk

All our volunteers are fully DBS‑checked, and we follow St Saviour’s Safeguarding Policy.

Our Safeguarding Policy